Resonant power transfer systems with communications

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus for wireless power transfer and communications are provided. In one embodiment, a wireless power transfer system comprises a transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power, a receive resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the transmit resonator, a medical device configured to receive power from the receive resonator, a controller configured to change an operating parameter of the medical device resulting in a change to a sonic signature of the medical device, and a listening device configured to determine an intended communication from the implanted medical device or the implanted receive resonator based on the change to the sonic signature coming from the implanted medical device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 15/032,299, filed Apr. 26, 2016, which is a National Stage application of PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US2014/064963, filed Nov. 11, 2014, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/902,699, filed Nov. 11, 2013, titled “Resonant Power Transfer Systems with Communications”, the entire contents and disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

All publications and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

FIELD

The field relates generally to resonant wireless power transfer systems, and more specifically to implantable resonant wireless power transfer systems.

BACKGROUND

Many types of devices require transmitting energy between locations. Recent advances have accelerated the pace of innovation for wireless energy transmission (WET) without the use of cords. An example of a system using wireless energy technology is a powered, implantable medical device.

Many implantable medical devices require electrical systems to power the implant. Typically, this is achieved using percutaneous wiring to connect a power source to the implant. More recently, there has been interest in development of Transcutaneous Energy Transfer (TET) systems, e.g., through an oscillating magnetic field, for powering implantable medical devices.

A TET system usually includes a number of components or systems. A conventional TET system is implemented with a transmitting coil and a receiving coil for transmitting energy across the skin layer. The system typically includes a controller for driving the transmitting coil and/or controlling the implanted electronics.

Typically, implantable medical devices, such as implanted sensors, require very little power to operate. With such low power levels (on the order of milliwatts), power transfer levels and efficiency can be lower. With higher power devices (e.g., on the order of watts and up to 15 W or more), efficient transfer of wireless power is extremely important. Additionally, positions within the body are limited that can accommodate larger implanted devices, some of which are deep below the skin surface. These implant locations require additional attention to position and orientation of both the transmit and receive coils, as well as techniques to improve and maximize transfer efficiency.

Previous TET systems for implantable medical devices required the implanted receiver coil to be positioned just under the skin, and typically include a mechanical feature to align the receive and transmit coils and keep them together. By implanting these devices directly under the skin, the size and power requirements of these implanted devices is limited if they are to be powered by a TET system. TET systems can be designed for operation even while power is not being received by the receiver coil. In a typical configuration, solid-state electronics and a battery can power the implanted medical device when external power is interrupted or not available. In this case, it may be beneficial to provide a user interface or other electronic device to communicate information to the patient and/or caregiver regarding the implanted components. For example, a user interface may include alarms to notify the patient when the internal battery level is low.

Reliable communication between an implantable medical device, a user interface, and an external transmitter can be a challenge because of varying conditions and distances between the components of the TET system.

Radio signals have limitations when used for communication between implantable devices. Attenuation of radio signals by the human body is very large and can disrupt communication signals. Even under optimal circumstances, such as a shallow implant depth, a properly designed antenna, proper orientation of the implanted module, and a reliable radio link, attenuation can be on the order of 10 dB to 20 dB. For deeper implant depths, or if the implant rotates significantly from its intended position, attenuation may grow to 100 dB or more. This can lead to an unreliable or totally interrupted radio link with a high loss rate.

In-band communication has been used in implanted systems and comprises modulation of a receiver load that can be sensed by a transmitter. The problem with in-band communication is that it requires additional electronics in the resonant circuit, which lowers the power transfer efficiency and leads to additional heating of the receiver. Additionally, there is a fundamental design conflict between optimizing a resonant circuit to be power efficient and to transmit a meaningful amount of information. The former requires coils with a high quality factor while the latter prefers lower quality factors.

It is therefore desirable to provide a system in which the implant can communicate effectively with the user interface in the absence of the transmitter.

SUMMARY

A wireless power transfer system is provided, comprising a transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power, a receive resonator configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the transmit resonator, a medical device configured to receive power from the receive resonator, a controller configured to change an operating parameter of the medical device resulting in a change to a sonic signature of the medical device, and a listening device configured to determine an intended communication from the implanted medical device or the implanted receive resonator based on the change to the sonic signature coming from the implanted medical device.

In some embodiments, the listening device further comprises a display configured to display information relating to the intended communication.

In one embodiment, the listening device is wearable. In some embodiments, the listening device is affixed to a wrist strap. In other embodiments, the listening device is affixed to a belt.

In some embodiments, the intended communication comprises an operating parameter of the medical device. In other embodiments, the intended communication comprises a status update of the medical device. In some embodiments, the intended communication comprises an alert of the medical device.

In one embodiment, the medical device comprises a left ventricular assist device. In one specific embodiment, the change to the sonic signature comprises a changed speed of a pump of the left ventricular assist device.

In another embodiment, the change to the sonic signature comprises a harmonic introduced into a drive signal of the medical device.

A method of transmitting wireless power and communications is also provided, comprising transmitting wireless power from an external transmit resonator to an implanted receive resonator, receiving wireless power with the implanted receive resonator, powering an implanted medical device with the received power, changing an operating parameter of the medical device, listening for a change in a sonic signature of the medical device in response to the changed operating parameter, and determining an intended communication from the receive resonator or the medical device based on the change in the sonic signature of the medical device.

In some embodiments, the method further comprises displaying the intended communication to a user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the claims that follow. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a basic wireless power transfer system.

FIG. 2 illustrates the flux generated by a pair of coils.

FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate the effect of coil alignment on the coupling coefficient.

FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of a TET system including a resonator coil, a receiver, an implanted medical device, and a user interface.

FIGS. 5-6 show reception and transmission of power and or communications in a receiver and transmitter.

FIGS. 7A-7B shows embodiments of ultrasonic communications in a TET system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description that follows, like components have been given the same reference numerals, regardless of whether they are shown in different embodiments. To illustrate an embodiment(s) of the present disclosure in a clear and concise manner, the drawings may not necessarily be to scale and certain features may be shown in somewhat schematic form. Features that are described and/or illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be used in the same way or in a similar way in one or more other embodiments and/or in combination with or instead of the features of the other embodiments.

Various aspects of the invention are similar to those described in International Patent Pub. No. WO2012045050; U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,140,168; 7,865,245; 7,774,069; 7,711,433; 7,650,187; 7,571,007; 7,741,734; 7,825,543; 6,591,139; 6,553,263; and 5,350,413; and U.S. Pub. Nos. 2010/0308939; 2008/027293; and 2010/0102639, the entire contents of which patents and applications are incorporated herein for all purposes.

Wireless Power Transmission System

Power may be transmitted wirelessly by magnetic induction. In various embodiments, the transmitter and receiver are closely coupled.

In some cases “closely coupled” or “close coupling” refers to a system that requires the coils to be very near each other in order to operate. In some cases “loosely coupled” or “loose coupling” refers to a system configured to operate when the coils have a significant spatial and/or axial separation, and in some cases up to distance equal to or less than the diameter of the larger of the coils. In some cases, “loosely coupled” or “loose coupling” refers a system that is relatively insensitive to changes in physical separation and/or orientation of the receiver and transmitter.

In various embodiments, the transmitter and receiver are non-resonant coils. For example, a change in current in one coil induces a changing magnetic field. The second coil within the magnetic field picks up the magnetic flux, which in turn induces a current in the second coil. An example of a closely coupled system with non-resonant coils is described in International Pub. No. WO2000/074747, incorporated herein for all purposes by reference. A conventional transformer is another example of a closely coupled, non-resonant system. In various embodiments, the transmitter and receiver are resonant coils. For example, one or both of the coils is connected to a tuning capacitor or other means for controlling the frequency in the respective coil. An example of closely coupled system with resonant coils is described in International Pub. Nos. WO2001/037926; WO2012/087807; WO2012/087811; WO2012/087816; WO2012/087819; WO2010/030378; and WO2012/056365, and U.S. Pub. No. 2003/0171792, incorporated herein for all purposes by reference.

In various embodiments, the transmitter and receiver are loosely coupled. For example, the transmitter can resonate to propagate magnetic flux that is picked up by the receiver at relatively great distances. In some cases energy can be transmitted over several meters. In a loosely coupled system power transfer may not necessarily depend on a critical distance. Rather, the system may be able to accommodate changes to the coupling coefficient between the transmitter and receiver. An example of a loosely coupled system is described in International Pub. No. WO2012/045050, incorporated herein for all purposes by reference.

Power may be transmitted wirelessly by radiating energy. In various embodiments, the system comprises antennas. The antennas may be resonant or non-resonant. For example, non-resonant antennas may radiate electromagnetic waves to create a field. The field can be near field or far field. The field can be directional. Generally far field has greater range but a lower power transfer rate. An example of such a system for radiating energy with resonators is described in International Pub. No. WO2010/089354, incorporated herein for all purposes by reference. An example of such a non-resonant system is described in International Pub. No. WO2009/018271, incorporated herein for all purposes by reference. Instead of antenna, the system may comprise a high energy light source such as a laser. The system can be configured so photons carry electromagnetic energy in a spatially restricted, direct, coherent path from a transmission point to a receiving point. An example of such a system is described in International Pub. No. WO2010/089354, incorporated herein for all purposes by reference.

Power may also be transmitted by taking advantage of the material or medium through which the energy passes. For example, volume conduction involves transmitting electrical energy through tissue between a transmitting point and a receiving point. An example of such a system is described in International Pub. No. WO2008/066941, incorporated herein for all purposes by reference.

Power may also be transferred using a capacitor charging technique. The system can be resonant or non-resonant. Exemplars of capacitor charging for wireless energy transfer are described in International Pub. No. WO2012/056365, incorporated herein for all purposes by reference.

The system in accordance with various aspects of the invention will now be described in connection with a system for wireless energy transfer by magnetic induction. The exemplary system utilizes resonant power transfer. The system works by transmitting power between the two inductively coupled coils. In contrast to a transformer, however, the exemplary coils are not coupled together closely. A transformer generally requires the coils to be aligned and positioned directly adjacent each other. The exemplary system accommodates looser coupling of the coils.

While described in terms of one receiver coil and one transmitter coil, one will appreciate from the description herein that the system may use two or more receiver coils and two or more transmitter coils. For example, the transmitter may be configured with two coils—a first coil to resonate flux and a second coil to excite the first coil. One will further appreciate from the description herein that usage of “resonator” and “coil” may be used somewhat interchangeably. In various respects, “resonator” refers to a coil and a capacitor connected together.

In accordance with various embodiments of this disclosure, the system comprises one or more transmitters configured to transmit power wirelessly to one or more receivers. In various embodiments, the system includes a transmitter and more than one receiver in a multiplexed arrangement. A frequency generator may be electrically coupled to the transmitter to drive the transmitter to transmit power at a particular frequency or range of frequencies. The frequency generator can include a voltage controlled oscillator and one or more switchable arrays of capacitors, a voltage controlled oscillator and one or more varactors, a phase-locked-loop, a direct digital synthesizer, or combinations thereof. The transmitter can be configured to transmit power at multiple frequencies simultaneously. The frequency generator can include two or more phase-locked-loops electrically coupled to a common reference oscillator, two or more independent voltage controlled oscillators, or combinations thereof. The transmitter can be arranged to simultaneously delivery power to multiple receivers at a common frequency.

In various embodiments, the transmitter is configured to transmit a low power signal at a particular frequency. The transmitter may transmit the low power signal for a particular time and/or interval. In various embodiments, the transmitter is configured to transmit a high power signal wirelessly at a particular frequency. The transmitter may transmit the high power signal for a particular time and/or interval.

In various embodiments, the receiver includes a frequency selection mechanism electrically coupled to the receiver coil and arranged to allow the resonator to change a frequency or a range of frequencies that the receiver can receive. The frequency selection mechanism can include a switchable array of discrete capacitors, a variable capacitance, one or more inductors electrically coupled to the receiving antenna, additional turns of a coil of the receiving antenna, or combinations thereof.

In general, most of the flux from the transmitter coil does not reach the receiver coil. The amount of flux generated by the transmitter coil that reaches the receiver coil is described by “k” and referred to as the “coupling coefficient.”

In various embodiments, the system is configured to maintain a value of k in the range of between about 0.2 to about 0.01. In various embodiments, the system is configured to maintain a value of k of at least 0.01, at least 0.02, at least 0.03, at least 0.04, or at least 0.05.

In various embodiments, the coils are physically separated. In various embodiments, the separation is greater than a thickness of the receiver coil. In various embodiments, the separation distance is equal to or less than the diameter of the larger of the receiver and transmitter coil.

Because most of the flux does not reach the receiver, the transmitter coil must generate a much larger field than what is coupled to the receiver. In various embodiments, this is accomplished by configuring the transmitter with a large number of amp-turns in the coil.

Since only the flux coupled to the receiver gets coupled to a real load, most of the energy in the field is reactive. The current in the coil can be sustained with a capacitor connected to the coil to create a resonator. The power source thus only needs to supply the energy absorbed by the receiver. The resonant capacitor maintains the excess flux that is not coupled to the receiver.

In various embodiments, the impedance of the receiver is matched to the transmitter. This allows efficient transfer of energy out of the receiver. In this case the receiver coil may not need to have a resonant capacitor.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a simplified circuit for wireless energy transmission is shown. The exemplary system shows a series connection, but the system can be connected as either series or parallel on either the transmitter or receiver side.

The exemplary transmitter includes a coil Lx connected to a power source Vs by a capacitor Cx. The exemplary receiver includes a coil Ly connected to a load by a capacitor Cy. Capacitor Cx may be configured to make Lx resonate at a desired frequency. Capacitance Cx of the transmitter coil may be defined by its geometry. Inductors Lx and Ly are connected by coupling coefficient k. Mxy is the mutual inductance between the two coils. The mutual inductance, Mxy, is related to coupling coefficient, k. Mxy=k√{square root over (Lx·Ly)}

In the exemplary system the power source Vs is in series with the transmitter coil Lx so it may have to carry all the reactive current. This puts a larger burden on the current rating of the power source and any resistance in the source will add to losses.

The exemplary system includes a receiver configured to receive energy wirelessly transmitted by the transmitter. The exemplary receiver is connected to a load. The receiver and load may be connected electrically with a controllable switch.

In various embodiments, the receiver includes a circuit element configured to be connected or disconnected from the receiver coil by an electronically controllable switch. The electrical coupling can include both a serial and parallel arrangement. The circuit element can include a resistor, capacitor, inductor, lengths of an antenna structure, or combinations thereof. The system can be configured such that power is transmitted by the transmitter and can be received by the receiver in predetermined time increments.

In various embodiments, the transmitter coil and/or the receiver coil is a substantially two-dimensional structure. In various embodiments, the transmitter coil may be coupled to a transmitter impedance-matching structure. Similarly, the receiver coil may be coupled to a receiver impedance-matching structure. Examples of suitable impedance-matching structures include, but are not limited to, a coil, a loop, a transformer, and/or any impedance-matching network. An impedance-matching network may include inductors or capacitors configured to connect a signal source to the resonator structure.

In various embodiments, the transmitter is controlled by a controller (not shown) and driving circuit. The controller and/or driving circuit may include a directional coupler, a signal generator, and/or an amplifier. The controller may be configured to adjust the transmitter frequency or amplifier gain to compensate for changes to the coupling between the receiver and transmitter.

In various embodiments, the transmitter coil is connected to an impedance-matched coil loop. The loop is connected to a power source and is configured to excite the transmitter coil. The first coil loop may have finite output impedance. A signal generator output may be amplified and fed to the transmitter coil. In use power is transferred magnetically between the first coil loop and the main transmitter coil, which in turns transmits flux to the receiver. Energy received by the receiver coil is delivered by Ohmic connection to the load.

One of the challenges to a practical circuit is how to get energy in and out of the resonators. Simply putting the power source and load in series or parallel with the resonators is difficult because of the voltage and current required. In various embodiments, the system is configured to achieve an approximate energy balance by analyzing the system characteristics, estimating voltages and currents involved, and controlling circuit elements to deliver the power needed by the receiver.

In an exemplary embodiment, the system load power, P_(L), is assumed to be 15 Watts and the operating frequency of the system, f, is 250 kHz. Then, for each cycle the load removes a certain amount of energy from the resonance:

$e_{L} = {\frac{P_{L}}{f} = {60\mspace{14mu}{\mu J}\mspace{14mu}\text{Energy~~the~~load~~removes~~in~~one~~cycle}}}$

It has been found that the energy in the receiver resonance is typically several times larger than the energy removed by the load for operative, implantable medical devices. In various embodiments, the system assumes a ratio 7:1 for energy at the receiver versus the load removed. Under this assumption, the instantaneous energy in the exemplary receiver resonance is 420 μJ.

The exemplary circuit was analyzed and the self inductance of the receiver coil was found to be 60 uH. From the energy and the inductance, the voltage and current in the resonator could be calculated.

$e_{y} = {\frac{1}{2}{Li}^{2}}$ $i_{y} = {\sqrt{\frac{2e_{y}}{L}} = {3.74\mspace{14mu} A\mspace{14mu}{peak}}}$ v_(y) = ω L_(y)i_(y) = 352  V  peak

The voltage and current can be traded off against each other. The inductor may couple the same amount of flux regardless of the number of turns. The Amp-turns of the coil needs to stay the same in this example, so more turns means the current is reduced. The coil voltage, however, will need to increase. Likewise, the voltage can be reduced at the expense of a higher current. The transmitter coil needs to have much more flux. The transmitter flux is related to the receiver flux by the coupling coefficient. Accordingly, the energy in the field from the transmitter coil is scaled by k.

$e_{x} = \frac{e_{y}}{k}$

Given that k is 0.05:

$e_{x} = {\frac{420\mspace{14mu}{\mu J}}{0.05} = {8.4\mspace{14mu}{mJ}}}$

For the same circuit the self inductance of the transmitter coil was 146 uH as mentioned above. This results in:

$i_{x} = {\sqrt{\frac{2e_{x}}{L}} = {10.7\mspace{14mu} A\mspace{11mu}{peak}}}$ v_(x) = ω L_(x)i_(x) = 2460  V  peak

One can appreciate from this example, the competing factors and how to balance voltage, current, and inductance to suit the circumstance and achieve the desired outcome. Like the receiver, the voltage and current can be traded off against each other. In this example, the voltages and currents in the system are relatively high. One can adjust the tuning to lower the voltage and/or current at the receiver if the load is lower.

Estimation of Coupling Coefficient and Mutual Inductance

As explained above, the coupling coefficient, k, may be useful for a number of reasons. In one example, the coupling coefficient can be used to understand the arrangement of the coils relative to each other so tuning adjustments can be made to ensure adequate performance. If the receiver coil moves away from the transmitter coil, the mutual inductance will decrease, and ceteris paribus, less power will be transferred. In various embodiments, the system is configured to make tuning adjustments to compensate for the drop in coupling efficiency.

The exemplary system described above often has imperfect information. For various reasons as would be understood by one of skill in the art, the system does not collect data for all parameters. Moreover, because of the physical gap between coils and without an external means of communications between the two resonators, the transmitter may have information that the receiver does not have and vice versa. These limitations make it difficult to directly measure and derive the coupling coefficient, k, in real time.

Described below are several principles for estimating the coupling coefficient, k, for two coils of a given geometry. The approaches may make use of techniques such as Biot-Savart calculations or finite element methods. Certain assumptions and generalizations, based on how the coils interact in specific orientations, are made for the sake of simplicity of understanding. From an electric circuit point of view, all the physical geometry permutations can generally lead to the coupling coefficient.

If two coils are arranged so they are in the same plane, with one coil circumscribing the other, then the coupling coefficient can be estimated to be roughly proportional to the ratio of the area of the two coils. This assumes the flux generated by coil 1 is roughly uniform over the area it encloses as shown in FIG. 2.

If the coils are out of alignment such that the coils are at a relative angle, the coupling coefficient will decrease. The amount of the decrease is estimated to be about equal to the cosine of the angle as shown in FIG. 3A. If the coils are orthogonal to each other such that theta (0) is 90 degrees, the flux will not be received by the receiver and the coupling coefficient will be zero.

If the coils are arraigned such that half the flux from one coil is in one direction and the other half is in the other direction, the flux cancels out and the coupling coefficient is zero, as shown in FIG. 3B.

A final principle relies on symmetry of the coils. The coupling coefficient and mutual inductance from one coil to the other is assumed to be the same regardless of which coil is being energized. M _(xy) =M _(yx)

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a TET system 400 including transmitter and resonator coil 402 positioned on an exterior portion of a patient. In FIG. 4, the transmitter can be either a flat resonator coil or a curved or conformable resonator coil configured to conform to the anatomy of the patient. The transmitter can be configured to transmit wireless energy to a receiver 404 implanted in the patient. In some embodiments, the receiver can be electrically coupled to an implanted medical device 406, such as a heart pump, to provide energy for the operation of the medical device.

The system 400 can further include a user interface 408 that can communicate with the receiver and/or transmitter. The user interface can be, for example, a handheld device such as a smartphone, tablet, or PC, or even a wearable device in the form factor of a wristwatch. In general, the user interface includes a display for conveying information to the patient and hardware configured to communicate wirelessly with the rest of the TET system. The user interface can display to a user, for example, operating status of the implant, battery life of the implant, charging status, or any other number of information or parameters relating to the implant or to the patient's health. The user interface may include and display alarms, such as low battery level, charging reminders, or a device malfunction (including information about malfunctions from either the implanted power receiver or the attached medical device). Communication from the receiver to either the user interface or the transmitter is wireless since it must pass through layers of human tissue. The wireless communication can be further complicated by the environment surrounding the patient (e.g., if the patient is swimming and submerged in water).

In some embodiments, the user interface 408 can include a resonant circuit. The resonant circuit can be configured with a high quality factor and be designed to not dissipate significant amounts of energy from the magnetic field. The resonant circuit in the user interface can contain electronics to carry out a variety of functions. For example, the user interface can communicate and receive information from the implanted receiver with the resonant circuits. The information can include data related to the operation of medical device 406. In one embodiment, the medical device 460 is a ventricular assist device (VAD) and the data communicated to the user interface includes power consumption, alarm event data, pump speed, pulsatility index, pump flow, system status, and the like.

The communication of information between the user interface and implanted components can be achieved by transmitting a magnetic signal to the receiver from the user interface, or alternatively transmitting a magnetic signal from the user interface to the receiver. In addition, the user interface could receive wireless power from the receiver or from the transmitter to recharge a power source in the user interface, much in the same manner in which the transmitter can recharge the implanted receiver. Since the communication is via magnetic signals within the resonant circuits, communications could be sent and received even if the patient was submerged in water. The use of magnetic resonance for communication also enables communication through layers of tissue with deep body implants.

In some embodiments, the user interface can include conventional radio communication hardware designed to communicate with the rest of the TET system via radio. In one embodiment, the resonant circuit is an adjunct to another communication system. In one embodiment, the resonant circuit is configured for communication as a back-up (e.g., if the primary communication system fails, such as the radio communication system). In other embodiments, the magnetic communication via resonant circuits can be the primary method of communication within the TET system.

In some embodiments, one or more listening devices 410 can be embedded within one or more external devices, such as within user interface 408, to enable one way communication from the implanted receiver 404 or medical device 406 to the listening device(s). The implanted receiver can collect information from the patient or the medical device 408 such as, for example, various alerts, status updates, or operating parameters of the device, etc. The collected information can be communicated via sonic signals to the external listening device(s) 410, either by generating a sonic signal or by changing a function or operating parameter of the medical device that results in a change to its sonic signature. The external listening devices can receive the sonic communications from the implanted system by listening for the sonic signals.

In one embodiment, the listening device 410 can comprise a microphone, which can be configured to detect sonic changes in the implanted system. A controller in the receiver or medical device can be configured to change an operating parameter of the medical device, which changes a sonic parameter of the device (e.g., how much noise the device produces, or the type/pitch of noise the device produces). These changes in the operation of the medical device can be detected by the microphone, which can interpret the sonic changes to determine the information that is being communicated.

For example, if the medical device 408 comprises a left ventricular assist device (LVAD), the receiver can sense when a speed of the implanted pump is changed. Depending on how the speed of the pump is changed, the listening device can determine the intended communication based on the change to the sonic signals coming from the implanted system. By way of example, in one embodiment a controller may reduce a speed of the LVAD, which can result in lowering the pitch of the LVAD. The listening device can detect the lowered pitch of the LVAD and correlate that lowered pitch to a predetermined message or communication. For example, the lowered pitch, may be used to communicate lower power, or some other alarm of the implanted system. The intention is to vary the speed of the pump as little as is need to reliably deliver the signal, but to minimize the changes in pump speed as much as possible so as to have little to no clinical impact on the patient. In some embodiments, this method of communication can be used only for emergency use, when a primary mode of communication has failed.

In another embodiment, a harmonic can be introduced into a drive signal of the medical device (for example, introduced by a controller in the receiver or the medical device) to modulate the sonic signal that can then be detected and interpreted by the listening device(s).

In addition, “listening” to the medical device with the external listening device(s) can potentially allow for added implantable device and patient health monitoring options. As is understood by one of skill in the art, operative devices emit a sound at a particular frequency. The listening device can detect the frequency of the device and changes in the time domain. For example, changes in the operation of a device, such as a heart pump, could provide early pump thrombus detection. Other parameters which may be monitored include a change in pump speed due to changes in hematocrit level (which affects viscosity). Unlike conventional systems which utilize circuitry to transmit data based on the device operation, the exemplary system can “listen” for changes directly.

The difference between this type of sonic communication, and radio or electromagnetic communication, is that the sonic approach of the present disclosure allows for increased range, reduced complexity, increased security, and underwater operation. Other types of communication systems also do not allow for acoustic “listening” as will be appreciated from the description herein.

In some embodiments, implanted devices other than the receiver or medical device can be used to generate the sonic signal. In some embodiments, the listening devices need to be in contact with the patient's body to receive the sonic signals from the implanted system, but in other embodiments the listening devices need not be in contact with the patient's body.

While the sonic communication method has been described above as being one-directional, it should be understood that the principles described herein can also be used in a bi-directional communication scheme.

FIG. 5 shows how a resonant circuit 500 including combined magnetic communications and magnetic energy transfer receiver might work. This can be, for example, the resonant circuit included in the user interface described above. The basic idea is that a coil 502 of the resonant circuit “picks up” (converts to a voltage) a magnetic field that contains both a large enough oscillation to transfer electric power/energy and an oscillation encoded to contain information. The quality factor of the resonant circuit must be chosen carefully; the quality factor should be high enough to efficiently transfer power/energy but low enough that a desired amount of information per unit time (bits/second) can be communicated. Information can be encoded either by amplitude modulation (AM), frequency modulation (FM), or a combination of both AM and FM. Quadrature modulation (or higher order modulation) can be used, and would be a natural choice if using an AM/FM combo.

The receiving coil in a TET system with only one receiver should be as large as possible, to maximize power efficiency and bit rate received. If there are multiple receivers in the system, the farthest receiver should be as large as possible. Nearer receivers may have smaller coils, depending on the desired power transfer efficiency.

As shown in FIG. 5, the output from coil 502 can be split to a resonant energy transfer system 504 for delivery to energy users 506, which can represent a battery charging and power delivery feature for the user interface. The output from the coil can also be delivered to an AD-converter 508 (via an optional high-pass filter 510). The high-pass filter can remove the lower frequencies of the resonant energy transfer system. This protects the AD-converter from high voltages and allows a very simple AD-converter to be used (such as a three-level 1/undefined/0 converter). Alternatives to the high-pass filter include a low-pass filter (if the resonant energy transfer operates at a higher frequency than the communications), any type of voltage transformer or voltage step-down component to protect the AD-converter, or just leaving out the high-pass filter altogether (if the AD-converter is rated to receive high voltages). If a filter is not used, the AD-converter cannot be a simple three-level (or similar) converter, but must provide a large dynamic range, and the CPU 512 will have to process the raw signal, through Fast Fourier Transform or similar. Regardless of whether a filter is used, the CPU 512 passes the communications information along to the information users 514, such as, for example, the user interface described above for displaying critical information about the implant to the patient.

The resonant circuit should, at a minimum, contain a capacitor that together with the coil 502 gives the circuit a desired resonance frequency. The circuit can contain another coil (“exciter” coil) or a voltage-dividing capacitor before the power is delivered to a load. The load may be a bridge of FETs, rectifying the voltage to DC, or an AC-AC converter, or the voltage could just go straight out to the various energy users 506 (components that need the energy such as a display, e.g., batteries that need charging, or a motor, etc.).

The resonant circuit can operate at the same frequency as the other components of the TET system (including the receiver and the transmitter) or can be an independent resonant circuit operating at its own, different frequency. The resonant circuit can also be simplified to provide only a communications capability and not a resonant energy transfer capability for the user interface.

The high-pass filter removes the lower frequency of the resonant energy transfer system. This protects the DA-converter from high voltages and allows a very simple DA-converter to be used (such as a three-level 1/undefined/0 converter). Alternatives to the high-pass filter includes a low-pass filter (if the resonant energy transfer operates at a higher frequency than the comms), any type of voltage transformer or voltage step-down component to protect the DA-converter, or just leaving out the high-pass filter altogether (if the DA-converter is rated to receive high voltages). If a filter is not used, the DA-converter cannot be a simple three-level (or similar) converter, but must provide a large dynamic range, and the CPU will have to process the raw signal, through Fast Fourier Transform or similar.

The CPU 512 can be any type of signal processor.

An advantage of the magnetic communication scheme described above is the ability to transfer power in addition to data. The provision of a resonant circuit enables the transmission of energy which would not be possible with conventional magnetic communication coils.

The systems described herein may be particularly advantageous for consumer electronics because it eliminates the need for separate data and power mediums. The single system can be used to power the electronic device and/or transmit desired data between two remote components.

FIG. 6 illustrates how a resonant circuit 600 for a combined magnetic communications and magnetic energy transfer transmitter might work. Compared to the receiver illustrated in FIG. 5, information in the transmitter of FIG. 6 flows the other direction, from information providers 615 (e.g., sensors, or the user interface), to a signal processing CPU 612 or similar, to an AD-converter 610 (possibly with an amplifier), through a high-pass filter 608 to the coil. Energy can also flow the other direction from energy providers 606 (e.g., a battery pack and a FETs bridge) to the resonant energy transfer system 604.

In another embodiment, ultrasonic communication can be used between the components of the TET system in place of the magnetic communication described above. Ultrasonic transceivers can be included in the TETS transmitter, receiver, or user interface to send and transmit information via coded ultrasound signals. A decoder and encoder can further be coupled to each transceiver. Since attenuation of sound waves can be significantly lower than attenuation of radio signals in the human body, this method of communication can also be more reliable than standard radio communications.

A transceiver according to one embodiment can be split into two separate parts: a transducer that generates ultrasound signals and a microphone, transducer, or other receiver that receives the ultrasound signals. In some embodiments, ultrasound signals can be transmitted with a frequency ranging from approximately 100 kHz-20 MHz or higher. Generally, the lower the frequency, the less attenuated the signal gets during transmission and the longer the signal can travel while still being useful for communications. For example, at 20 MHz the attenuation depth is about 2 cm. Frequencies below 100 kHz can interfere with animal hearing, in particular pets that live with a patient.

FIGS. 7A-7B illustrate embodiments of an ultrasonic communication system for use in a TET system, such as the TET system of FIG. 4. For example, the system shown in FIG. 7A can include a user interface 708, similar to the user interface 404 of FIG. 4. In some embodiments, the user interface can be worn by the user, such as on a wrist band 717. Alternatively, the user interface can be worn by the patient by attaching it to a belt, to adhesive, to Velcro, or integrating it on or within an article of clothing. FIG. 7B illustrates an implantable receiver 704, similar to the receiver 404 of FIG. 4. The user interface 708 can include an ultrasound transceiver 716 configured to communicate with an ultrasound transceiver 718 disposed on or in the receiver 704. In the illustrated example, the transceiver 718 can be disposed outside the ferrite layer 720 and titanium layer 722 that make up the housing of the implanted device.

Although various illustrative embodiments are described above, any of a number of changes may be made to various embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as described by the claims. For example, the order in which various described method steps are performed may often be changed in alternative embodiments, and in other alternative embodiments one or more method steps may be skipped altogether. Optional features of various device and system embodiments may be included in some embodiments and not in others. Therefore, the foregoing description is provided primarily for exemplary purposes and should not be interpreted to limit the scope of the invention as it is set forth in the claims. Although described in some respects as a medical system, one will appreciate from the description herein that the principles can apply equally to other types of systems including, but not limited to, consumer electronics, automotive, phones and personal communication devices, gaming devices, and computers and peripherals.

The examples and illustrations included herein show, by way of illustration and not of limitation, specific embodiments in which the subject matter may be practiced. As mentioned, other embodiments may be utilized and derived there from, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Such embodiments of the inventive subject matter may be referred to herein individually or collectively by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any single invention or inventive concept, if more than one is, in fact, disclosed. Thus, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, any arrangement calculated to achieve the same purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A system comprising: an implanted medical device implanted in a patient and configured to receive power from an implanted receive resonator; a controller configured to: determine an intended communication indicating a status of the implanted medical device; and deliberately change an operating parameter of the implanted medical device to cause a change in a sonic signature generated by the implanted medical device in order to convey the intended communication to an external user interface device; and the external user interface device configured to: detect the change in the sonic signature; and determine, based on the change in the sonic signature, the status of the implanted medical device indicated by the intended communication.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the status is a power level.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the external user interface device further comprises a display configured to display information relating to the determined status of the implanted medical device.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein the external user interface device is wearable.
 5. The system of claim 4, wherein the external user interface device is affixed to a wrist strap.
 6. The system of claim 4, wherein the external user interface device is affixed to a belt.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the intended communication includes an alert.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the implanted medical device comprises a left ventricular assist device.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein to deliberately change an operating parameter, the controller is configured to deliberately change a speed of a pump of the left ventricular assist device.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein to deliberately change an operating parameter, the controller is configured to deliberately introduce a harmonic into a drive signal of the implanted medical device.
 11. The system of claim 1, wherein the external user interface device includes a microphone.
 12. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a transmit resonator configured to transmit wireless power; and the implanted receive resonator implanted in the patient and configured to receive the transmitted wireless power from the transmit resonator.
 13. A method of transmitting communications, comprising: powering an implanted medical device implanted in a patient with power received from an implanted receive resonator; determining, using a controller, an intended communication indicating a status of the implanted medical device; deliberately changing, using the controller, an operating parameter of the implanted medical device to cause a change in a sonic signature of the implanted medical device in order to convey the intended communication to an external user interface device; detecting, using the external user interface device, the change in the sonic signature; and determining, using the external user interface device, the status of the implanted medical device indicated by the intended communication based on the change in the sonic signature.
 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the status is a power level.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the external user interface device includes a microphone.
 16. The method of claim 13, further comprising displaying information relating to the determined status of the implanted medical device to a user on the external user interface device. 